Section 304A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) deals with causing death by negligence. It applies when death is caused by any rash or negligent act not amounting to culpable homicide. Text of Section 304A IPC: “Whoever causes the death of any person by doing any rash or negligent act not amounting to culpable homicide, shall be punished with imprisonment which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.” --- Relevance to Medical Negligence: Doctors can be prosecuted under Section 304A IPC if: - A patient dies due to a grossly negligent or reckless act by the medical professional. - The act falls below the standard of care expected from a reasonably competent practitioner. - There is direct causation between the doctor’s negligence and the patient’s death. --- Important Guidelines from Supreme Court: In Jacob Mathew v. State of Punjab (2005), the Supreme Court laid down strict criteria for applying Section 304A IPC to doctors: - Simple negligence is not enough; there must be gross negligence or recklessness. - Before prosecuting a doctor under Section 304A, a preliminary medical opinion by a competent doctor or board is required. - Courts must protect doctors from unnecessary harassment while balancing the need for accountability. --- Examples of Medical Negligence under Section 304A: - Administering a wrong injection or overdose that leads to death. - Leaving surgical instruments inside the body. - Failure to diagnose a life-threatening condition due to carelessness. --- Punishment under Section 304A: - Up to 2 years of imprisonment, or - Fine, or - Both